AtWar

Free and browser accessible game that takes the Risk formula and builds upon it

Bad

Lacks single player options for players to learn the basics and hone their skills which creates a tough beginner learning curve

7

If you love the Risk board game and wanted a browser based game like Risk then AtWar has come to the rescue with it’s take on the strategy game. Allowing you to play against others on a wide range of maps be prepared to put your strategic mind to the test as you compete within the community for tactical war prestige.

The strengths of the AtWar formula start before even making a strategic decision with accessibility and the control over the settings of each game providing the foundation for various challenges and game styles. This includes things like victory conditions, numbers of players and how long you have to take your turn that can be tweaked to your tastes. With support for as little as a minute all the way up to 48hrs AtWar can please both the hardcore and casual fan bases and provides a technological alternative to leaving Risk on the kitchen table for days at a time.

Each game lobby is player created to ensure there is a multitude of variety and this community driven experience expands to the likes of rating systems, forums and various other customised game elements to bring players together.

Regardless of lobby settings the early game generally plays out the same with players choosing a country of their own ad trying to quickly establish a base of control with your starting group of units. Within each country there are a number of cities which if controlled will produce a steady stream of income to be invested in reinforcements which are available every few turns. At the same time your current units will drain your income stream creating the need for balance between cities held and units to keep a steady upwards income trajectory.

Capturing cities is an easy enough task and requires you to move units from city to city (drag and drop), with each unit having a different range of movement careful consideration is needed to ensure maximum efficiency in city captures. When your army clashes within a city it will face off against the units held up there in automated battles based on the statistics of units with a minor roll of the dice element to reflect the Risk experience.

These units are split between ground, naval and air with each helping you to achieve a different goal thanks to the varying stats of attack, defence, critical, collateral damage, range and capacity (for transport units).

Further game depth in AtWar comes from strategy upgrades that can alter your unit stats based on your selection (such as the Blitzkrieg which boosts movement at the cost of defence), additionally account wide upgrades for extra units can be unlocked with the game currency of SP which is earned for gameplay. For those wishing to splash out you’ll find the premium options provide decent benefits while still ensuring fair gameplay by providing things such as a small 10% discount on SP upgrades, additional strategies and a host of additional maps and game types for greater options.

With its high level of variety and plenty of depth once you master the basics AtWar proves to be a fantastic strategy game to test your wits against others.

Summary:

Browser based Risk board game like gameplay with a community of strategists players.

Large variety of settings and maps to create your own game lobby with and provide long term options.

Recruit various units and lay claim to the countries of the world one city at a time.

Historically and modern accurate units, vehicles and strategies for realistic war strategy.

Account based upgrades to expand your available strategies and provide a sense of progression.

This review was first published on June 29, 2016. Read our update policy to learn more.

Written by

Samuel Franklin

Samuel Franklin is the founder and lead editor of the Games Finder team and enjoys video games across all genres and platforms. He has worked in the gaming industry since 2008 amassing over 3 million views on YouTube and 10 million article views on HubPages.

Games Finder is a Steam Curator and featured in the aggregate review scores data of MobyGames and Neoseeker.

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